NEW DELHI (SHABD): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across political, economic, defence, energy, space, skill mobility and people-to-people domains during their talks in New Delhi.
The two leaders also exchanged views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward in resolving conflicts and said India stands ready to contribute to peace efforts.
Also read Rwanda names 22 mountain gorillas in annual ceremony
According to a statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry, Modi and Putin welcomed the first edition of Russia’s International Industrial Exhibition, INNOPROM India, which was held in India from September 9 to 11.
The exhibition, held alongside the 18th BRICS Summit, showcased technological developments and industrial capabilities from both countries and underscored the importance of expanding India-Russia trade and industrial ties.
The two leaders also visited the exhibition and interacted with participants.
Modi and Putin agreed to remain engaged in efforts to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. The ministry said the partnership continues to register significant growth and has demonstrated resilience despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
President Putin also invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit. Modi accepted the invitation, with the dates of the summit to be decided through mutual consultation.
During the meeting, Modi gifted Putin a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the ancient Tamil classic by poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar. The translation was published by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil.
Putin arrived in the national capital in the early hours of Friday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, which begins on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit. He was received by Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a social media post, said India and Iran share civilizational ties marked by robust cultural and people-to-people bonds. He added that, as BRICS partners, the two countries are working together to contribute to shared progress and prosperity.
Opinon | The Tide of Accountability Is Rising in Manipur
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi also arrived in New Delhi on Friday evening. He was received by Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth at the airport.
Vice-President of Nigeria Kashim Shettima has also arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit.
Jaiswal said India and Nigeria share close and longstanding ties, underpinned by strong people-to-people connections. He added that Shettima’s visit would further strengthen the multifaceted partnership between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian this evening. The meeting assumes significance amid the prevailing situation in West Asia, with regional developments expected to feature prominently in their discussions.
Modi is also scheduled to meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during his engagements in the national capital.
The 18th BRICS Summit brings together leaders and senior representatives from member countries against the backdrop of major geopolitical developments, with trade, development, peace and international cooperation expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
Also read CM Khemchand visits family of Chongtham Vikram, assures justice
